Trade Routes of COASTAL IBERIA Lisbon ♦ Lagos ♦ Andalusia ♦ Seville Gibraltar ♦ Granada ♦ Mallorca ♦ Barcelona aboard the Small Ship Five-Star Le Jacques Cartier October 1 to 9, 2021 WELCOME BACK SAV I NG S SAVE $2000 PER COUPLE! BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE! No land/cruise cancellation fees for new bookings until 51 days prior to trip departure. Cruise the ancient trade routes of Phoenician and Roman mariners to discover the extraordinary Moorish monuments and cultural legacy of the most sophisticated civilization of the Middle Ages. This comprehensive itinerary features the unique coastal jewels found only along the Iberian Peninsula, visiting towns and cities at the crossroads of faith and enlightenment during the Age of Discovery. The Five‑Star Le Jacques Cartier embodies the advantages of small ship cruising— elegant accommodations, an exclusive itinerary specially created with a carefully arranged excursion in each port and the ability to dock in smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels. This state‑of‑the‑art small ship features only 92 elegant Suites and Staterooms, each with a private balcony. Admire three of the world’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage sites— cruise in style into the heart of Seville on Spain’s legendary Guadalquivir River to visit the astounding Alcázar, call on the enchanting Balearic Island of Mallorca to discover the cultural landscape of Serra de Tramuntana and tour Granada’s magnificent Alhambra Palace. Experience Portugal’s picturesque Algarve region and stand on Gibraltar’s “Top of the Rock” to see the Pillars of Hercules spanning the scenic Strait of Gibraltar. Enjoy a visit to Palma de Mallorca, with excursions to paradisaical Valldemossa and Son Marroig. I invite you to join us on this exclusive itinerary and encourage you to reserve now. The safety and well-being of our travelers remains our highest priority. Cruise lines and some other providers of services (as well as, potentially, some countries) require all passengers traveling on our programs to present confirmation of a full COVID-19 vaccination, and, as well, passengers may have to produce evidence of a recent negative COVID test. All our staff are committed to adhering to all health and safety protocols from the start of your trip to the end as directed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overseas health officials as well as those protocols mandated by your cruise company (if applicable) and other suppliers of services. Detailed protocol information tailored to your travel program will be mailed to you along with additional pre-departure information. Iberia’s Coastal Towns, Traditions and Trade Routes to Discovery Discover the dynamic cultures, architectural and artistic treasures and compelling history of the Iberian Peninsula, revealed throughout its fortified medieval towns and coastal cities. The collaboration and joint influences of Greco‑Roman, Judeo‑Christian and Moorish cultures ushered in advances in mathematics, science, medicine, horticulture and philosophy, creating the catalyst for the Golden Age of Discovery and global trade of the 15th through 18th centuries. Ships sailing from Iberian shores to the New World brought back riches to the peninsula, generating great wealth among this unique mélange of cultures and sparking a veritable renaissance in art and architecture. Experience the distinctly Mediterranean tradition of these idyllic seaside cities, towns and villages as you embark on your voyage in the wake of mariners from centuries past. Lisbon, Portugal Itinerary Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage and pioneering Grande Lisboa Pre-Program Option** role in the Age of Discovery is reflected in its 1 Depart the U.S. lavish colonial churches, fairy-tale Moorish castle and sculpted Manueline monuments. 2 Lisbon, Portugal/ Embark Le Jacques Cartier Lagos, the Algarve Basking on Portugal’s sun-washed 3 Portimão for Lagos southern coast, the province of the Algarve 4 Cruise the Guadalquivir River to was settled by the Phoenicians and Seville, Spain Romans and later ruled by the Moors. Today, their heritage remains in its distinctive 5 Gibraltar, British architecture and flavorful regional cuisine. Overseas Territory Intrepid 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese 6 MÁlaga, Spain, for Granada mariners, including Vasco da Gama, set sail from the Algarve’s shores on voyages of 7 Cruising the Mediterranean Sea discovery to Asia via the African coastline before triumphantly returning to Lisbon. 8 Palma de Mallorca En route to Lagos, stop to admire 9 Barcelona /Disembark ship/ Ponta da Piedade, a group of coastal limestone Return to the U.S. formations and cliffs known for both their size—some as tall as 60 feet—and beauty; Barcelona and Beyond Post-Program Option** their canyon coloring is a stunning contrast **Available at additional cost. against the translucent waters of Lagos Bay. Cover photo: Stroll across Seville’s Plaza de España’s colorful bridges, one for each of the ancient kingdoms of Spain. Photo this page: Explore Granada’s Alhambra, set against the magnificent Sierra Nevadas. UNESCO World in Spain—and the riverfront Heritage Site Tower of Gold, a remnant of Cruise Itinerary Seville’s Moorish fortifications. Air Routing Stroll through delightful Land Routing Barcelona María Luisa Park and the majestic Plaza de España, built for the PORTUGAL SPAIN Palma Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. de Mallorca Continue through charming Sintra Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, Guadalquivir Balearic with its gleaming white houses, River Islands flower-filled patios and orange trees Lisbon Seville Granada lining the checkered stone streets. Atlantic Lagos Mediterranean Tour the breathtaking Ocean Málaga Sea UNESCO World Heritage Portimão site of Alcázar, the sumptuous Gibraltar 14th-century residence of Seville’s Moroccan and Spanish rulers— Enjoy breathtaking views of sea arches, still used by the Spanish royal family today— sea caves and the Algarve coast from the lookout and one of the world’s most outstanding point atop the cliffs. fusions of Christian and Mudéjar art. In the former Algarve capital, the port town Visit the city’s sublime Giralda Tower of Lagos—once the center of trade between minaret and magnificent Gothic cathedral, Moorish Portugal and Africa—visit the Baroque Europe’s second largest Christian house of Church of St. Anthony, with its intricately worship after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. gilded and carved wood interior. Inside, view the imposing monument to Christopher Columbus—whose remains were transported here in 1902 from Havana, Cuba— and the world’s largest altarpiece, a masterfully gilded woodcarving created over the course of 44 years by Flemish craftsman Pierre Dancart, along with masterpieces by Francisco Goya, Francisco Zurbarán and Bartolomé Murillo. Enjoy a traditional flamenco performance on board the ship. Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory The near southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, See dramatic Ponta da Piedade in the aquamarine the Rock of Gibraltar was considered by the waters of the Algarve coast. ancient Greeks and Romans to be one of the two Pillars of Hercules that marked the boundary Seville, Andalusia, Spain of the known world. On the “Top of the Rock,” Cruise into the heart of extraordinary the nearly 1,400-foot-high limestone promontory, Seville, Andalusia’s lively capital on the enjoy an expansive view from Europa Point across Guadalquivir River, with a rare docking the strait separating Europe and Africa, and directly in the city’s center. During a visit the Great Siege Tunnels, excavated by drive through this historical area, see the British Army engineers in the late 18th century to Neoclassical Maestranza Bullring—the largest provide defense for the colony. Discover the limestone Rock of Gibraltar, one of Europe’s most dramatic landforms, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean; this 2.6-square-mile landmass is home to 32,000 residents and 300 macaques. Tour the beautiful Palma Cathedral, colloquially “La Seu,” Delight in Mallorca’s 17th-century windmills dedicated in 1230 by King James I on New Year’s Day. dotting the plains of Serra de Tramuntana. Observe up close the amusing antics Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands of Barbary macaques, the only colony Pass the scenic almond groves emblematic of of wild monkeys in Europe, and see Palma on the way to the estate of Son Marroig, the impressive geological wonders in a medieval mansion with panoramic views of St. Michael’s Cave. Enjoy time at leisure to the dazzling, azure Mediterranean waters. explore Grand Casemates Square, the largest See the terraced farms and water mills pedestrian-only plaza in Gibraltar’s city center. of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Málaga, Spain, for Granada Serra de Tramuntana en route to the traditional Granada, the last Moorish kingdom village of Valldemossa, where famed composer in Spain, is dramatically located atop Frédéric Chopin spent a winter in the three hills and framed by the snow-clad Carthusian Monastery. Here, see one of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Ruled for 250 years composer’s pianos and enjoy a piano recital of his music performed by a local musician. by monarchs of the Nasrid dynasty, Granada is th home to the priceless architectural legacy of In Palma, visit the Gothic 14 -century the incomparable Alhambra and the Palace of Bellver Castle—the only castle in Spain designed Generalife with its brilliant gardens—a collective to be circular—to see the History Museum, UNESCO World Heritage site. an impressive sculpture collection and spectacular Walk through the outer precincts of the views 450 feet above the city. Tour the Alhambra and admire the genius of medieval magnificent Palma Cathedral, a landmark of the Moorish craftspeople within the unrivaled city constructed over the course of 300 years, complex of the Nasdir palaces. The remarkable beginning in 1230 and now representing the Alhambra served as both fortress and citadel apex of Catalan Gothic architecture. for plebians and royalty alike throughout the Barcelona, Catalonia 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.